From Morethanglam

We’ve talked about Ayurveda before, which is an ancient Indian tradition. Another, very similar, and very effective healing tradition is Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine originated in ancient China and has been evolving over thousands of years. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners use herbal medicines and mind and body practices to treat and mostly prevent health problems.

Much like Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine is all about connecting deeper with the self and promoting wellbeing rather than simply treating symptoms like a drug. Traditional Chinese Medicine gets to the root causes of health concerns. Many people love supplementing their Western health care with Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques.

We love these 5 Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques because they not only promote optimal health and wellness, but they also help us boost our love for our own bodies. These self-care Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques are just as much practices for boosting your self-love because they will help you get more in tune with your body. The amazement of your ability to heal yourself will show you that you can heal yourself both physically and emotionally. As you try these Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques, allow yourself to take gratitude for all that your beautiful body is capable of.

Acupuncture

In acupuncture, the practitioner inserts hair-thin needles into the skin tissue and muscles at particular acupuncture points. There are as many as 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that are connected by twelve main meridians. These meridians conduct energy, or “Qi,” between the skin surface and the body’s internal organs. Acupuncture is not painful and is a wonderful technique for reducing fatigue, stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and allergies (yes, allergies!). Tons of people swear by it.

Cupping

Cupping is a type of Chinese massage where the practitioner places several glass cups on the body. The cups are warmed to remove all of the oxygen in them so that the cups cool when removed and will stick to the skin. The cups are typically applied to the back and are an effective treatment for any kind of back or muscle pain. Cupping is great for loosening muscles, enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, encouraging blood flow and more.

Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs are easy to incorporate into your healing journey, and they are a popular Traditional Chinese Medicine technique. Practitioners will use herbs from leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds of plants like cinnamon bark, ginger, ginseng, licorice, and rhubarb. Often times, patients take these herbs as a supplement or in the form of tea. Many practitioners will even have you create a tea ritual every morning—which may include meditation too.

Tongue Diagnosis

Tongue analysis tells practitioners many interesting things about a person’s health. Everything from the size of the tongue to its shape, tension, color, and coating have much to say about one’s health. Each part of the tongue corresponds with different organs within the body. For example, the tip of the tongue relates to the lungs and the heart.

Tai Chi

Perhaps the most effective technique for boosting self-love, tai chi teaches us to create a harmonious experience of ourselves in each present moment. Tai chi helps us learn to form positive connections with ourselves and everyone around us. Tai chi first and foremost focuses on the breath and moving your body with ease and softness. Tai chi teaches natural body movements that heal your inner energy and calm the mind.

Kate Wilke is a 200-RYT yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. She teaches and works with clients in Nashville, TN. She believes in self-care in the form of colorful, healthy cooking, daily walks with her dog, and a glass of red wine. Follow her on Instagram — @meditatekate